outgoing defense secretary leon panetta said he will be extended benefits to same sex partners in the military. quote, it is a matter of fundamental equity that we provide similar benefits to all those men and women in uniform who serve their country. here are the benefits for gay couples that will now be extend extended. life insurance beneficiaries. hospital visitation rights. access to base commisaries and child care services. if you're a same-sex couple, you weren't even allowed to go in the commisary. pretty demeaning. who will apply to? 9,000 spouses of active duty and reserve members and 8,000 spouses of retirees. but there are still 800 benefits that will not apply. medical and dental care. u.s. assist ship. if your spouse is killed in war prime next of kin qualification. so you will not be the first one told and you won't be told all the details of the death of your loved one. education benefits from the g.i. bill and reassignment expenses if your spouse is reassigned. i want to bring in an expert marine captain matthew phelps, and apparently he proposed to his partner at the